The North Carolina Ferry Division, part of the state’s Department of Transportation, began offering increased service Saturday due to greater expected demand and the easing of certain Covid-19 restrictions.
The new ferry schedule adds round trips for ferries traveling to and from Ocracoke, as well as those between Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach, and Bayview and Aurora.
The adjustments come as North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper lifts the stay-at-home order and moves the state to the safer-at-home recommendation. Also, by boosting service, officials had hoped to accommodate the increase of ferry passengers expected for Memorial Day weekend and into the peak season. The Ferry Division said it will continue to encourage passengers to remain in their vehicles or stand at least six feet from other people while on board to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
